THE WALL OF FACES

Wished I would have had the chance to meet you, Uncle Donnie

I never met Donald. I wish I had. To this date I remember his name. I was in third grade in Franklin Lakes, N.J. and our teacher Mrs. Tilton had us all writing letters to Don. He would write back and she would read them to the class. I remember her telling the class that Don had died and her weeping as the class tried to understand what had happened. In the 70's my family vacationed in Lavallette which must have been a great place for Don to have grown up in. I remember seeing the monument with names of soldiers that had died and seeing Don's name. Years later I showed my children Don's name on the Viet Nam War Memorial. I have gone to his name on the Memorial the other times I have visited the Capital. You are remembered. Rest in Peace.

Dear PFC Donald Alvah Skinner, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Rest in peace with the warriors.

Donald A. Skinner is remembered at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and Vietnam Era Educational Center. To learn more search on www.njvvmf.org.